The results are in for the 2007 Nobel Prizes in Medicine, Physics and Chemistry:

• Medicine or Physiology: Awarded to a trio of scientists who independently studied genetics to find therapies and cures for hundreds of disorders and diseases. The scientists pioneered the creation of “designer mice” to demonstrate the roles of different genes in human development. Gene targeting in mice is now being applied to virtually all areas of biomedicine, from basic research to the development of new therapies. Learn More

• Physics: Awarded to two scientists whose discovery of the phenomenon known as giant magnetoresistance (MGR) has led to the miniaturization of data storage and is recognized as one of the key breakthroughs in modern computing and electronics. No doubt you own one of the many electronic devices that rely on tiny hard drives made possible by MGR (e.g. iPod, laptop, PDA, DVD player…) Learn More

• Chemistry: Awarded to a scientist for his breakthrough work in surface chemistry. The award-winning research explored how individual layers of atoms and molecules behave on the surface of catalysts. Not only can this science help us understand why iron rusts, it can help scientists produce renewable fuels more efficiently and create new materials for electronics. Learn More

Nobel Prizes for Literature, Peace and Economics will be announced over the following five days.

Inspired by the Nobels? Consider learning more about a lesser-known, bizarre period of the Nobel Prize legacy by reading The Genius Factory: The Curious History of the Nobel Prize Sperm Bank. Available in the library (call number: HQ761 .P56 2005).